Policy Actors

Achieving the Objectives of the Water Framework Directive: Challenges…

Europe’s main water legislation, the Water Framework Directive (WFD)[1] sets the stage for an innovative approach to water management according to river basin planning. With ambitious targets for the quantity as well as quality of all freshwater in the EU, the Directive requires member states to implement the WFD with international planning mechanisms.

River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) establish the appropriate impact areas and spatial scope for planning measures to meet these objectives. Carrying out these programme of measures cannot rely on enforcement alone, but also requires that local, national and international actors are taking their stake in in good water governance.

…and Opportunities

The critical issue of sustainable water management requires a collective effort of water conscience water users who integrate water objectives into their business agendas. Bringing private businesses on their way towards these collective objectives creates an important force to drive improved water governance.

Voluntary environmental systems benefit water users with more flexible regulation and lower administrative burdens. These systems work to promote WFD objectives and support active involvement of the private sector on river basin scale. By providing incentives for water users to change their behaviours and practices on water management drives forward a platform of proactive water users implementing WFD goals.

[1] Directive 2000/60/E of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy. Official Journal of the European Communities. 22.12.2000.